GMC Terrain vs Toyota Highlander
For 2009–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 25.0 for the GMC Terrain. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2009–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
GMC Terrain
25.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.8× the Toyota Highlander’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,969
- Sold
- 1,188,497
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2010–2013. Fewest: 2009, 2017 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 89,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 75,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 60,158 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 49,750 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 50,000 mi
Toyota Highlander
14.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
44% fewer than the GMC Terrain
- Complaints
- 3,406
- Sold
- 2,420,470
- Recall campaigns
- 33
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2010. Fewest: 2014, 2016 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the GMC Terrain or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2009–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the GMC Terrain has 25.0, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the GMC Terrain?
The most-reported problem on the GMC Terrain is oil consumption and leaks, typically around 89,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 miles.
Which GMC Terrain and Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: GMC Terrain: 2010–2013; Toyota Highlander: 2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.